which actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which actually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or emphasize a point, often introducing a fact or detail that contrasts with what has been previously stated. Example: "The movie was marketed as a comedy, which actually turned out to be a drama with some humorous moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Which actually makes perfect sense.

The New Yorker

Which actually doesn't seem that many.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Which actually I was so into.

The Guardian - Film

Which, actually, is the best thing about it.

The New Yorker

Which actually makes it a lot like Uber's business practice.

Independent

— it's too hard to tell which actually work well.

The New York Times

— which actually had nothing to do with China.

The New Yorker

We have a policy which actually is working in Britain.

The Guardian

A 27-14 defeat, which actually flattered the Dolphins.

The Guardian - Sport

Which actually may have been generous to the president.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

New Yorkers also use "kvetch --which actually means to complain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which actually" to introduce a surprising or clarifying detail that contrasts with what was previously stated, enhancing the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "which actually" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or hesitant. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which actually" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects a clause to a preceding statement, often to introduce a detail that clarifies, emphasizes, or contrasts with what was previously mentioned. Ludwig provides many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which actually" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, commonly used to introduce clarifying or surprising information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally versatile, overusing it can dilute your writing, so consider alternatives like "in fact" or "in reality". Remember to use "which actually" when you want to refine understanding by presenting an unexpected or clarifying detail, ensuring your writing remains both informative and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which in reality

Replaces "actually" with "in reality", emphasizing the truthfulness of the statement.

which in fact

Substitutes "actually" with "in fact", highlighting a detail that is true or real.

that in practice

Replaces "which actually" with "that in practice", focusing on the practical application or outcome.

that in effect

Using "in effect" instead of "actually" emphasizing the result or consequence.

that in truth

Emphasizes the veracity of the following statement, similar to "actually".

that genuinely

Replaces "actually" to intensify the honesty or sincerity of a claim.

which realistically

Highlights that the statement is grounded in reality and practicality.

that demonstrably

Shifts the emphasis to the evidence supporting the statement.

that verifiably

Indicates that the statement can be checked and confirmed.

which fundamentally

Indicates that the statement relates to the most essential aspects of something.

FAQs

How can I use "which actually" in a sentence?

The phrase "which actually" is often used to introduce a surprising or clarifying piece of information. For example, "The movie was marketed as a comedy, "which actually" turned out to be a drama."

What are some alternatives to "which actually"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in fact", "in reality", or "as a matter of fact" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "which actually" and "which truly"?

While both phrases add emphasis, "which actually" often introduces an element of surprise or clarification, whereas "which truly" simply emphasizes the truth or genuineness of a statement.

When should I avoid using "which actually" in my writing?

Overusing "which actually" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using it sparingly and replacing it with alternatives to maintain a more engaging style.